Product Description
Set in the unexplored jungles of Central America in the mid-1800s, this true-life adventure story will enthrall the armchair archaeologist.

Recounted here for the first time is the adventurous life of Frederick Catherwood, the 19th-century English artist who discovered the lost Mayan cities in the jungles of Central America and the Yucatn plateau. In 1839 Catherwood and his American companion, John Lloyd Stephens, were the first Westerners to view the immense terraces, fabulous temples, and elaborate palaces that had been inexplicably abandoned ten centuries earlier. Superbly illustrated by Catherwood, Stephens' lively travel diaries recounting their extraordinary archaeological discoveries were published in 1841 and 1843.

Using these journals and his own extensive research, author Fabio Bourbon has pieced together Catherwood's fascinating biography, which until now has been shrouded in mystery. Illustrating this handsome large-format book are more than 200 engravings made from Catherwood's original drawings. Also reproduced is Catherwood's Views of Ancient Monuments in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatna rare color portfolio considered to be his best work. Catherwood's other adventures are also describedhis first trips to Europe and Egypt, his later expeditions to Central America, and finally his experiences in California. This intriguing book about an intrepid adventurer/artist will appeal to anyone interested in exploration, architecture, and archaeology.

208 illustrations, 191 in full color ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A great read!
The Lost Cities of the Mayas follows the life of Frederick Catherwood, the artist whose fabulous paintings of Maya cities and sculptures ignited interest in the Maya in Europe and the U.S.In addition to the interesting story, the reader gets to see many of the famous drawings and prints, all carefully reprinted in large format.Some of his drawings were so accurate that modern scholars can use them to read glyphs that have now become unreadable from exposure to the elements.

This is a good book for someone just learning about the Maya or for the seriously addicted Mayanist.

lives up to all expectations
Well written, informative and spectacular reproductions of his excellent drawings from his travels in Central America.Well worth the price.

Life art and discoveries ofFrederick Catherwood
A very well done, review of the life of Frederick Catherwood, as well as an excellent descriptionof the mid 19th centuries London, Paris, and New York. The efforts of the first archeological efforts, and how were the must important archeological discoveries at that time. With the beautyful work andpotraits of Catherwood

Excellent

Mayaphiles
Fans of Stephens and Catherwood should very much enjoy this volume.Catherwood is neither featured - nor ignored - in Stephens' "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan" set - their travels together being the source of most of the included drawings. This book, however, focuses not only on Catherwood's intriguing artwork, but reveals a good deal about the life of the man himself.Especially considering the price, this book is not only a must for those interested in the Mayan civilization, but also for the story of one of the first white men to discover and document this great culture for the rest of the world.

The Lost Cities of the Mayas : The Life, Art, and Discoverie
In reading the The Lost Cities of the Mayas : The Life, Art, and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood by Fabio Bourbon, one must first take in and enjoy the full folio size color reproductions of Catherwood's engravings and drawings. The vast aray of sumptous images and the clear and concise text that takes you on an adventure through the life of Frederick Catherwood, the first real Indiana Jones is a joy to read and imagine! Oh to have lived in the 19th c. and been on the first real archaeological journey through mexico and central america, documenting the opening up of an ancient civilization to the world. A must for the adventure reader and explorer. ... Read more

Product Description
From the studio that brought you the smash-hit movies Shrek and Madagascar comes Monsters Vs. Aliens, a story about the world’s most extraordinary saviours!

Not all monsters are evil! The “M” Files features two original tales of Susan “Ginormica” Murphy, Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., The Missing Link, B.O.B. and Insectosaurus! In ‘The “M” Files’, take a trip to Area 51 to discover the true origins of our wily gang of monsters! And in ‘Brain Pain’, Dr Cockroach attempts a brain transfer... with hilarious results!

This is the official graphic novel prequel of the movie that features the voice talents of Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Hugh Laurie and Seth Rogen! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Learn the Monsters' origins in this prequel
This graphic novel prequel to the movie adaptation features two new and original Monsters vs. Aliens tales: "The 'M' Files" and "Brain Pain."

"The 'M' Files" delves into the background and origins of the monsters featured in the movie. Readers learn of Link, an ancient Fish Man set free from his ice encasement; B.O.B., the result of a tomato experiment gone bad; Insectosaurus, tiny grub turned enormous from radiation exposure; and Dr. Cockroach, a brilliant scientist who accidently transformed himself into a cockroach-man.

In the wordy "Brain Pain," B.O.B. the monster lacks a brain so through experimentation Dr. Cockroach makes him one. The smart B.O.B. renames himself "Bartholomew Organo Benedict" and pontificates using large words and phrases. Unfortunately, due to some miscalculations, the B.O.B. brain experiment doesn't go as expected. Contrary to the product description, Susan Murphy (a.k.a Ginormica) does NOT make an appearance anywhere in this book.

Five Star Alien Humor!
If this is the pre-quel, the real event is going to be terrific!
Based on the Dreamworks film, "Aliens Vs Monsters", the M Files is a hoot that surprises readers with wit, adventure, and the occasional bit of intelligent dialogue.Titan Books has entered the graphic novel field with two stories by comic book veterans, Tom DeFalco, Comco White, Fabio Laguna, Alex Dalton, bew comer Reobin Ethertingon and S L Gallant.

We are introduced to W.R. Monger, an obsessed, secretive, zealous, Government agent with one mission in mind:Find monsters in our midst!Where do you look for monsters?Government labs, weddings, dumps, places like that of course.After you find them, where do they go?To your secret government facility that even you can't tell the president about.Monger is hilarious with his over the top attitude and zeal to find, and keep the `monsters' safe.

"Brain Pain" is packed with hilarity.B.O.B. is made intelligent by Dr Cockroach, and the resulting blob of blue is anything but.However, the mindless humor that makes even intelligent readers conclude that you don't need a brain to live, is funny indeed.There are bits that look like the Gong Show, Spiderman, X Files, Lassie, and even the Three Stooges. When you have monstrous friends like B.O.B., The Missing Link, Insectosaurus, and Dr Cockroach guarded by W.R. Monger, who needs invading aliens?

This would make a great movie.

[...]

Tim Lasiuta


... Read more

Product Description
Born 1964 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fabio Borquez currently lives in Germany. In Buenos Aires he studied art, photography and architecture. He won various scholarships for India, Columbia and Germany and has taken part in many exhibitions. His work spans over various areas of design. This book exclusively presents his female nude photography. Borquez's intention is not to put the nude on display, despite having been published in world-renowned magazines such as Playboy and GQ. More than just mere objects in front of the camera, his models unveil their characters in their unrehearsed poses and the look in their eyes. The triumph of femininity coupled to a total confidence in the photographer is what makes these "victresses" seem at ease and passionate at the same time."(...) It is Fabio Borquez's personal fight for the ideal of beauty, which he desires to develop from the simple depiction of sex. This is the point where we can best understand his approach to photography. The result is that these body studies offer a wide selection of settings, compositions, and light settings that he plays with in a sensual way." (Marisol Romo Mellid) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Chicas duras & Fotos de Autor
Chicas fuertes. Eso es lo que insiste en las fotos de Borquez: la victoria del erotismo ante todo. La mujeres de Borquez nunca retroceden. Cada foto se impone y te da-de-patadas, son ellas las que manejan la situación en cada pagina del libro.
Sin complejidades y con un gran trabajo propio de un de director de actores, logra imágenes nada comunes que componen este libro de fotos de autor.

Por otro lado, la edición es impecable.
Una vasta colección de Chicas. Infaltable.

Such Great Beauty....
The photographic work in this book is amazing. Fabio is a gifted man who understands and portrays the sensual female with his camera and skill. Glorious images. The book is a treasure for every man and motivation for every person who loves the human body. ... Read more

Product Description
Preparing to film a Viking epic, movie star Marcello is transported back to Viking times, where he becomes a king caught between two warring tribes and meets a beautiful, captive French princess, who happens to resemble his real-life love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

It's a Gary Stu!
It's obvious from the beginning that this book is a major Gary Stu (a male version of a Mary Sue, also known as Gary Sue and Marty Stu.) Marco/Viktor is Mr. Perfect. Well, except for one major flaw. He expects the women in his life to give up all their dreams and live his. When his first girlfriend refuses to give up her career to be his baby-making machine, he continues filming his movie, only to be thrown back in time. He kidnaps the step-daughter of the evil Wolfgard and again, tries to force her to change who she is to satisfy him. Even when assassins threaten he won't do the sensible thing and let her return (even for a short time) to her homeland so she'll be safe.

Nope, Marco/Viktor is a male chauvinist pig who thinks all women need to do whatever he says. Whenever Reyna challenges him he threatens to spank/thrash/clobber her, even though he knows Wolfgard used to beat her with a whip!

For a guy who makes his living in romance, Fabio doesn't know diddly squat about it!

Yes It's No Masterpiece, But It's Still Enjoyable and Entertaining!
Fabio is a very good looking man who is famous for posing for many romance book covers and I was surprised when I heard that he also wrote some romance books and when I saw this audiobook recording of his book Viking I bought it and though it's not a classic piece of literature it wasn't that bad and I kind of enjoyed it and I'm not sorry I listened to this audiobook and I would definitely recommend it!

Not bad!
I also thought I would get a good laugh out of this but I gave it a chance and though not something that will win any major literary awards it was really quite good for it's genre so if you will only read books that are literary works of art avoid this because it's not for you but if you have an open mind about books and can read and enjoy every thing from classic literature to more lightweight books like this, well you won't be disappointed and might even find yourself actually liking it.

It was an Enjoyable Listen!
I listened to an audio cassette tape version of Viking and though I thought I would probably hate it and think it was hokey I found myself really having fun listening to the story and totally liked it and the fact that Italian actor Marcello filming a movie about the ancient Vikings is transported back to Iceland during the time of the Vikings becoming Viktor the Valiant a Viking warrior, and I really liked Marcello/Viktor, and Monica/Reyna, in fact I liked this audio cassette version of Fabio's story so much I'm going to search the used book stores for the paperback book. My only minor complaint with the audio cassette version is that the American woman who read the story didn't use any accents, and though I would have liked the reader to have used the proper accents I think she had a very nice sounding voice and even with the minor complaint of the accents I still feel that the audio is a keeper!

Don't buy this!
Whoever decided to let Fabio write a book was seriously disturbed.I'll put it nicely and say that the book seems rushed and not very well thought out.Save yourself the money. ... Read more

Product Description

Robots build! At their Program in Architecture and Digital Production at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich), the architects Gramazio & Kohler have installed a research facility that is unique in the world. It is based on a computer-controlled industrial robot that produces construction elements directly from design data. The robot works flexibly with a tremendous range of tools and materials. In this way Gramazio & Kohler probe the exciting potential of digital design, construction, and manufacturing techniques for architecture.

Gramazio & Kohler attracted widespread attention with the sWISH Pavilion at the Swiss National Exposition Expo 02 and the new Christmas lighting display on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse. In their projects they incorporate insights and discoveries from the field of computer-aided production into the architectonic design process, using computers to develop innovative construction techniques and architecture. First structures using robots have already been built. Thus, the much noted Gantenbein vineyard in Fläsch employs facades with individually laid bricks for the first time.

This publication places explosive insights, theses, and conclusions from the dialectic between physically experienceable architecture and digital processes up for debate.

Product Description
Esco a fare due passi, Fabio Volo, Ed. It., Mondadori, 2002, Paperback ... Read more

Product Description
When it comes to humanitarian volunteering, how does one choose the right organization that matches their interest, experience, age and time availability? The World Volunteers guide is a useful tool for people without previous volunteering experience abroad who want to get involved in humanitarian aid projects throughout the world. The projects listed can be either short or long term for professionals who want to take a leave of absence or for retired professionals who want to make their skills and experience available to help others. For young people without volunteering experience abroad, the World Volunteers guide lists many organizations offering work-camps to help familiarize them with development and humanitarian work worldwide. The World Volunteers guide is a one time purchase. Anyone who purchases the guide can receive FREE UPDATES via the internet, plus an extended annotated list of useful websites that allow the reader to find hundreds of additional projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ideas for social purpose
What can we do to leave our mark in this world....it isn't anything we can buy, but rather what we have to give.Some good ideas and examples here. ... Read more

Product Description

Most probability problems involve random variables indexed by space and/or time. These problems almost always have  a version in which space and/or time are taken to be discrete. This volume deals with areas in which the discrete version is more natural than the continuous one, perhaps even the only one than can be formulated without complicated constructions and machinery.
The 5 papers of this volume discuss problems in which there has been significant progress in the last few years; they are motivated by, or have been developed in parallel with, statistical physics. They include questions about asymptotic shape for stochastic growth models and for random clusters; existence, location and properties of phase transitions; speed of convergence to equilibrium in Markov chains, and in particular for Markov chains based on models with a phase transition; cut-off phenomena for random walks.
The articles can be read independently of each other. Their unifying theme is that of models built on discrete spaces or graphs. Such models are often easy to formulate. Correspondingly, the book requires comparatively little previous knowledge of the machinery of probability.

Product Description
Roman civilization has left an astounding legacy in the modern world, manifesting itself in everything from language and legal systems to roads and buildings. Rome: Splendours of an Ancient Civilization celebrates the diversity and extraordinary riches of this great culture in some of the finest photographs ever taken of Roman monuments, art treasures, cities and landscapes. Illustrated throughout this lavish volume are breathtaking frescoes and mosaics, remarkable statues and delicate, intricate metalwork and jewelry. Specially taken aerial photographs provide original perspectives on familiar structures, highlighting often unseen or inaccessible details. Large-scale colour reconstructions and clever cut-away sections restore cities and such buildings as the Colossesum, the Pantheon, and Diocletian's Palace at Split to their former glory. Rome's history, from its founding by Romulus to the fall of the Empire, is thoroughly explored in the book's authoritative text. The authors examine every facet of everyday Roman life, from housing and clothing to entertainments in the circus and amphitheatre.Finally, the reader is taken on a tour of the major sites and conquests of the Empire, from Hadrian's Wall on the northern frontier to the caravan towns of the Near East and the marble cities of north Africa. Numerous site plans, maps and a chronological table complete this magnificent survey of the astounding achievements of one of the greatest and most influential of all civilizations. ... Read more

Product Description

Logic Synthesis and Verification Algorithms blends mathematical foundations and algorithmic developments with circuit design issues.  Each new technique is presented in the context of its application to design. Through the study of optimal two-level and multilevel combinational circuit design, the reader is introduced to basic concepts, such as Boolean algebras, local search, and algebraic factorization.

Similarly, through the study of optimal sequential circuit design, the reader is introduced to graph algorithms, finite state systems, and language theory. Throughout the book, recurrent themes such as branch and bound, dynamic programming, and symbolic implicit enumeration are used to establish optimal design principles.

Circuit designers and CAD tool developers alike will find Logic Synthesis and Verification Algorithms useful as an introductory and reference text. The rich collection of examples and solved problems make this book ideal for self study.

Because of its careful balance of theory and application, Logic Synthesis and Verification Algorithms will serve well as a textbook for upper division and first year graduate students in electrical and computer engineering.

Customer Reviews (3)

Good content, poorly written
The book covers most of the fundamental aspects of logic synthesis and verification algorithms commonly implemented in the popular CAD tools. However, the book is poorly written and full of typos. One may constantly wonder what is going on until he reads the material like the 2nd or 3rd times and guess his way through. Sadly, there is rarely a better book in the CAD field, so even though the book is not very well written the material presented is still worth reading especially for any serious readers working in the field of logic synthesis.

exceptional...
This book is good. It covers all the fundamentals needed to learn two level and multi level logic synthesis and verification.

It's a good stepping stone for those readers wanting to delve more into the IEEE publications area later on in their careers when implementing new algorithms for logic synthesis.

nachiketh potlapally
I had the oppurtunity to study this book in my graduate study. I think itis a well-written book, which has a substantial coverage of the field oflogic synthesis and verification. I would highly recommend this book toadvanced readers and those who are mathematically inclined. The expertiseof the authors is reflected in the content of the book, and this can befully appreciated by the readers having the qualifications mentioned above. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume offers a multidisciplinary approach to the combinatory tradition that dominated premodern and early modern Japanese religion, known as honji suijaku ('originals and their traces'). It questions received, simplified accounts of the interactions between Shinto and Japanese Buddhism, and presents a more dynamic and variegated religious world, one in which the deities' Buddhist originals and local traces did not constitute one-to-one associations, but complex combinations of multiple deities based on semiotic operations, doctrines, myths, and legends. The book's essays, all based on specific case studies, discuss the honji suijaku paradigm from a number of different perspectives, always integrating historical and doctrinal analysis with interpretive insights. ... Read more

Product Description
Not only does Parliamo Italiano provide students learning Italian with a strong ground in the four ACTFL skills – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – but it also emphasises cultural fluency. The text follows a more visual approach by integrating maps, photos, realia, and cultural notes that offer a vibrant image of Italy. The chapters are organised around functions and activities. Cultural information has been updated to make the material more relevant. In addition, discussions on functional communications give readers early success in the language and encourage them to use it in practical situations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

parliamo italiano
cover good
everypage written onshould have said so in the ad

Parliamo Italiano
I always feel safe purchasing through Amazon! This particular book arrived as described and was well worth the purchase. The layout of the material, presented in the book, will surely assist one's learning of the Italian language.

How Not To Learn Another Language
This is the worst book I have ever used for learning Italian. Unfortunately, it is the core book for my uni course. The grammar explanations are awful and at times incomplete. The dialogues would be better off as a soap opera on T.V.The only slight advantage is that it has covered the passato remoto, la cordanza dei tempi (the more difficult stuff) by chapter 10. But what is the point in racing ahead with the grammar when listening, speaking and reading skills are being ignored.
I have been forced to use this book for almost 2 years, and I can barely say a sentence in the present tense even though we are in unit 12 grammar wise.
When I finish my semester at uni, before I go to Italy in October, I will be spending 5 months solid with a book from the BBC.

horrible for a beginner
Confusing approach; improper sequence to develop concepts & vocabulary. I had experience with conversational Italian and another college text but I am finding this book a nightmare. If you are unfortunate enough to have it as a class text; buy supplemental books (dictionary, grammar, verbs...even another text)and maybe some Pimsleur tapes since conversation skills are shortchanged in this tedious text.

This is a GREAT book to learn Italian.
I teach Italian at the undergraduate level and this book is excellent. Having used other textbooks in the past, I have seen the difference in how much and how quickly students learn from "Parliamo italiano". If you are using this book on your own, I would recommend that you work with a tutor. It is not impossible to work with it on your own but you have to plan the material very carefully beforehand and stick to your plan. ... Read more

Product Description

This book describes the enormous depth of work carried out since the early seventies on the Messina Strait Bridge, up to the recent award of the detailed design and construction contract. This important work has included extensive studies, concepts and design developments, with far reaching applications, which have all confirmed the feasibility of this huge endeavour and have led to the optimisation of costs and expected performance levels.

Attention is focused not only on the design itself, but also on the context for the project (e.g. historical, geological, seismo-tectonic and wind conditions; structural and mechanical properties; project management and financial aspects; and environmental considerations), and on the great challenges involved. Thus, considering the innovations and specific solutions adopted in overcoming the challenges presented by constructing a world record span of 3,300 metres at this site, it becomes clear how the Messina Strait Crossing will take its place as a masterpiece in bridge engineering history.

This book will be of interest to bridge and structural engineers, geotechnical and wind engineers, mechanical and earthquake engineers, graduate students in all these areas and all others with a broad interest in bridge design and engineering.

Product Description

This volume provides a detailed discussion of the mathematical aspects and physical applications of a new geometrical structure of space-time, based on a generalization ("deformation") of the usual Minkowski space, as supposed to be endowed with a metric whose coefficients depend on the energy. This new five-dimensional scheme (Deformed Relativity in Five Dimensions, DR5) represents a true generalization of the usual Kaluza-Klein (KK) formalism.

Product Description
Green Volunteers lists over 200 projects worldwide for those who want to experience active conservation work as a volunteer. Projects are in a variety of habitats and countries, lasting from one week to one year or more. Projects involve volunteer work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, national parks, and protected areas, and general conservation work with a variety of animal species. The guide has 3 indexes set up by geographical area, animal species, and project cost, all to help prospective volunteers choose their favorite conservation project. Almost all the projects are open to anyone without previous conservation experience, and most projects do not have language requirements.Green Volunteers guide is a one-time purchase. Anyone who purchases the guide can receive free updates via the internet, plus an extended annotated list of useful websites that allow the reader to find hundreds of additional projects. ... Read more

Product Description
Robotics: Science and Systems IV spans a wide spectrum of robotics, bringing together researchers working on the foundations of robotics, robotics applications, and the analysis of robotics systems. This volume presents the proceedings of the fourth annual Robotics: Science and Systems conference, held in 2008 at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. The papers presented cover a range of topics, including computer vision, mapping, terrain identification, distributed systems, localization, manipulation, collision avoidance, multibody dynamics, obstacle detection, microrobotic systems, pursuit-evasion, grasping and manipulation, tracking, spatial kinematics, machine learning, and sensor networks as well as such applications as autonomous driving and the design of manipulators for use in functional-MRI. The conference and its proceedings reflect not only the tremendous growth of robotics as a discipline but also the desire in the robotics community for a flagship event at which the best of the research in the field can be presented. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Quite a bit deeper than I expected.
I'm sure the book is fine for it's intended audiance (Probably people with a Doctorate degree in robotics) but I was looking for something a little more on the practical side.So if your looking for something very deep and theoretical then this book is probably for you.If your looking for something practical that you can apply to building your robot then this is probably not for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Did Somebody Say Ideology? explores the philosophical, political, and psychoanalytic foundations of Slavoji ek s work, almost two decades after his arrival on the international scene of contemporary philosophy with The Sublime Object of Ideology (1989). The book generally focuses on the understanding and applicability ofi ek s theory of ideology, arguably the distinguishing and most original feature in his oeuvre so far. The first part contains six essays that carry out specific investigations into key aspects of the Slovenian philosopher s work; the second part practicesi ek s own injunction about Lacan ( discover Lacanian themes everywhere! ) oni ek himself, employing his theories in different contexts and relating them to other thinkers. Each study in the present volume testifies to the extraordinary vitality ofi ek s writing, demonstrating how his psychoanalytic brand of ideology critique fosters innovative research in a variety of intellectual fields and academic disciplines.The book has a great deal to offer to undergraduate and postgraduates students ofi ek s extremely impressive oeuvre.But it will also be of great use to academics and everybody else interested in philosophy, cinema, feminism, psychoanalysis, radical politics and nationalism in the Balkans.The detailed exposition ofi ek is masterfully complemented by detailed discussions of Badiou, Bataille, Deleuze, Foucault and Lacan.Did Somebody Say Ideology?On Slavoji ek and Consequences is likely to be one of the most important books oni ek in recent years and an original contribution to contemporary social theory.Darrow SchecterUniversity of Sussex ... Read more

Product Description
The main goal of the CIME Summer School on "Algebraic Cycles and Hodge Theory" has been to gather the most active mathematicians in this area to make the point on the present state of the art. Thus the papers included in the proceedings are surveys and notes on the most important topics of this area of research. They include infinitesimal methods in Hodge theory; algebraic cycles and algebraic aspects of cohomology and k-theory, transcendental methods in the study of algebraic cycles. ... Read more